As we approach the Year of the Dragon, which is set to begin on February 10th, 2024, there is a growing sense of excitement about the opportunity to tap into the positive energies that the new year promises to bring.
According to the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui and the Chinese calendar, choosing a fortunate date to start a new business or embark on a new work venture can significantly influence your chances of success.
In the following sections, we will reveal the most favorable dates for beginning a job or business in 2024, along with advice on the best days for travel during the 15-day Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations.
By understanding these principles, you can make the most of the positive forces of this energetic year to set yourself on the path to prosperity.
For those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, the day you return to work after the holidays is also considered significant. Here, we provide some auspicious advice for those with career aspirations.
Belief in auspicious dates is a common aspect of Chinese culture, whether it’s for planning weddings or moving into new homes. Even if you don’t wholeheartedly believe in these practices, you may encounter older relatives, like Grandma, encouraging you to adhere to them.
For some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with superstitious bosses, it’s customary to start business activities or work only after the Chinese New Year begins on an auspicious day (known as “kai gong”). The day when work is paused and a break is taken for the Chinese New Year (“shou gong”) also holds significance.
Here’s a quick overview of the recommended days to start and stop work, as provided by popular Feng Shui sources online, and some observances to consider if you’re interested in following them.
The Best Days to Start Work/ a Business After CNY 2024
Which day you should stop and start work during this Chinese New Year in 2024 can be influenced by your personal zodiac animal sign. This belief applies even if you are working from home.
If you hold a position of authority, such as being the boss or CEO, the belief is that reopening doors and resuming work on an inauspicious day can increase the chances of having a challenging year in business.
Now, let’s get to the auspicious dates for Chinese New Year 2024, which is the Year of the Dragon. It begins on February 10, 2024, and lasts until February 15, 2024.
Here are some recommended dates and times to start work in February 2024:
6th Day of Chinese New Year (February 16th, 2024 / Clash Animal Dragon): This day is associated with unity and harmony, making it an excellent choice for launching new projects. It symbolizes a smooth start with the support of positive forces.
8th Day of Chinese New Year (February 18th, 2024 / Clash Animal Horse): The number 8 is linked to wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture. Starting work on this day is believed to invite financial success and good fortune.
10th Day of Chinese New Year (February 20th, 2024 / Clash Animal Monkey – Horse): The 10th day represents completeness and perfection, making it an ideal day to begin work, ensuring a well-rounded and successful journey.
12th Day of Chinese New Year (February 22nd, 2024 / Clash Animal Dog): This date symbolizes stability and solid foundations. Initiating work on the 12th day can lay the groundwork for a resilient and prosperous enterprise.
The Best Travel Days During the 15-Day Chinese New Year 2024 Celebration
Travel holds a special significance during the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration, where selecting an auspicious day can bring protection and success.
Below is a list of the most favorable days for travel during this festive period, along with their corresponding Gregorian calendar dates:
- 7th Day of Chinese New Year (Saturday): February 17th, 2024
- 8th Day of Chinese New Year (Sunday): February 18th, 2024
- 10th Day of Chinese New Year (Tuesday): February 20th, 2024
- 11th Day of Chinese New Year (Wednesday): February 21st, 2024
- 12th Day of Chinese New Year (Thursday): February 22nd, 2024
These days are regarded as auspicious for travel during the Chinese New Year celebrations, and it is believed that they provide protection and positive energies. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring new destinations, or embarking on business trips, selecting one of these days can enhance your overall travel experience.
Transitioning from Rest to Work After Chinese New Year
There are specific customs to observe whenwe go back to work after the Chinese New Year period. Let’s explore what to do as part of this ritual:
Before the Chinese New Year:
Desk Cleansing: Begin by tidying your work desk, removing unnecessary items, and giving it a good wipe-down. Bid farewell to last year’s lingering pineapple tarts.
Red Packet Placement: Place an ang pao (red packet) in your desk drawer. The amount is flexible; it symbolizes good luck and should remain there until the next Chinese New Year, signifying ongoing workplace luck.
Settling Debts: Resolve any outstanding debts or financial obligations. It’s time to repay your work colleague for that coffee they kindly picked up for you, settling your ledger to ensure a clean financial slate.
When You Start Working:
If you’re working from home, follow these steps:
- Commence at the Auspicious Time: Begin your work at the previously mentioned auspicious date and time.
- Dress the Part: Even if you’re working from home, dress up professionally to set the tone for a productive day.
- Clear Workspace: Remove all Chinese New Year treats and ang pao remnants from your workspace.
- Enjoy a Light Snack: Have a cup of coffee or tea with Chinese New Year goodies, but remember to moderate as some can be “heaty.”
- Connect Virtually: Make a work-related phone call or schedule a video conference via platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Teams.
- Email Engagement: Send out a work proposal or essential emails.
If you’re returning to the office, consider these steps:
- Start at the Auspicious Time: Commence work at the mentioned auspicious date and time.
- Desk Enhancement: Add fresh plants or flowers to your desk, and place a pair of oranges from your house visits.
- Background Music: Set a pleasant background tune to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Refreshments: Enjoy a coffee or tea with Chinese New Year goodies.
- Virtual Connection: Make a work-related phone call or schedule a video conference.
- Email Dispatch: Send out work proposals and essential emails.
- Work Engagement: Arrange a work-related lunch or meeting with colleagues.
By observing these customs, you can embrace the transition from leisure to work during the Chinese New Year period with cultural significance and a dash of positivity.